With traditional energy sources getting used up at a rate faster than they can be regenerated or renewed, it seems the time is right to take abundant energy resources like the Sun seriously. Not only does solar energy promise abundant and renewable energy, it is environmentally more friendly than fossil fuels.

Many people are a bit hesitant to install a solar power system because of the cost or they do not understand the technology. However, with the right information, it is actually quite easy to install a solar system. Moreover, there are a variety of solar power systems. some are easy to install and some are more complicated. Starting with the simple ones primes you for the more complicated systems.

This article will explore the various solar power options available for home use.

Solar Cooker : a solar cooker or oven is actually a device that is designed to attract the heat from the sun. It is designed much like a microwave oven in shape. In the middle of the cooker the item that you want to cook is placed. The heat from the Sun can get extremely high and cook just about anything, from boiling to roasting.

The only limitation with the solar cooker is the time it takes to cook and a warm climate. However, given the free source of energy it uses, this is a great option for cutting down those sky-rocketing bills and saving some power.

Solar home lighting: A solar home lighting system converts solar energy into electrical energy for your home. This is done with photovoltaic cells that are convert photons to electrical energy. So, in the night, if you wonder how the lights are on in the house, it is because of the solar energy stored in the solar cells. You can install the solar home lighting system in your house and not worry about the electricity bills anymore.

Solar heating system: Installing a solar heating system in your home helps cut down your electricity bill along with saving the world's limited resources. If you are worried that a solar heating system will turn your sweet home into a gadget house or that it will be an expensive investment, your concerns are misplaced.

Solar panel systems need to be installed by professionals, especially if they are tied to the grid. This can be a significant cost, however you can get this cost back on reduced energy bills and various government rebates over a few years. given that most systems will last for upwards of 25 years then you will be saving money on utility bills for 20 odd years.